Perfect Prom Resource

Prom Planning > Sub-Committee Ideas!

Prom Planning Committee is a very big responsibility to not just the committee but your class as well! If planned correctly you night can be as close to perfect as possible (FYI No Live event is perfect ever)! 

Here are a few basic subcommittees you will need to help make your Prom night a success:

Budget Committee - Responsible for keeping all committees on or under the Prom budget.

Fundraising Committee - Responsible for planning & running Fund-raising.

Chaperone & Security Committee - Responsible for hiring Security & finding Chaperones to volunteer.

Location Committee - Selecting & booking Venue, hotel, banquet hall, reception room for Prom.

Entertainment Committee - Finding the Best DJ (or band), as well as any other entertainers for the evening

Audio Visual Committee - Securing Videographer, Video Screens or Plasmas, creating a slide show or gathering photos for the slide show.

Photographer Committee - Hire the Photographer. Be sure to look at proofs, check references, & compare packages.

Themes & Colors Committee - Responsible for selecting the themes & colors for the Prom Decor. This can be done by voting, or using the school colors.

Decor Committee - Find & purchase the decorations for Prom. (after the themes & colors are selected)

Favors Committee - May be combined with Decor Committee. They select & order favors that will be used as part of the table decor but taken home by guests.

Promotion Committee - In charge of advertising & promoting the Prom - treat this like a club or movie premier! (Don't forget: deadlines for buying tickets, what DJ is spinning, Venue etc)

Menu Committee - Pick Sit-down or Buffet Meal.  Plan the menu for the evening, giving two choices for main course. We suggest Buffet if you want your guests to have more dancing time. (Also have your caterer setup several 2 sided buffet stations to expedite the flow of guests)

Set Up/Planning Committee - In charge of designing the room for Prom. Table placement, DJ booth, Dance Floor, Drink Station, Decor, Up-lighting etc.  (If a DIY setting up the room as well may be required)

Royal Court Committee - Organizing the balloting & voting system for selecting the Court & how the court will be announced & given their crowns. 

Clean Up Committee - Responsible for cleaning up after the Prom is over (may be for a DIY Prom only).

This should help you make the Prom a success & cut the huge task down into smaller easier to do tasks!

Good Luck & Have Fun!

Cher!

Prom Committee Timeline!

Your Prom Committee has a responsibility to build a once in a lifetime event for your friends & peers! This task should be taken seriously and your classmates will see the hard work you put into Prom!

Smart Tip #1: Break it up into smaller tasks, each of the items should be delegated to a different prom sub-committee, these sub-committees should have knowledge or insight into their "task" and enjoy what they are researching!  Then the sub-committee reports their findings back to the whole prom Committee by a mutually agreed upon date. Then the final decisions are made by the whole Committee, via a vote.

9 Months before Prom

• Choose your Prom Date (Weekdays have been more popular in the recent years)
• Form your Prom Committee & Sub-Committees with volunteers
• Determine the Overall Prom Budget & Open a Bank Account
• Start Fund-raising & looking into new creative fund-raisers
• Book your Prom Venue (Some Schools book the same venue the year before)

8 Months Before Prom

• Choose your Prom's Theme & Prom Song
• Choose Food Options (We Suggest Buffet for max Dancing time)
• Hire your Prom Disc Jockey
• Select & Order Prom Favors etc

7 Months Before Prom

• Select Prom Theme Decorations
• Order Decorations or Hire Prom Decorator
• Select & Hire your Prom Photographer
• Start Advertising Prom with Posters, Flyers & Announcements

5-6 Months Before Prom

• Decide ticket and invitation design & Order Tickets & Programs
• Write wording for memory booklet etc
  
• Book Prom security Team
  
• Arrange for Chaperones & Teachers to commit
  
• Order favors, & all other Prom supplies
• Build a Prom Photo Montage (Slideshow) for DJ to Play on Projector Screen

3-4 Months Before Prom

• Organize Prom Setup & Clean up Crews
• Plan Royal Court Ceremonies
• Send out Prom invitations (don't forget the faculty, admins, & chaperones)
  
• Confirm all orders, volunteers & Disc Jockey
  
• Sell Prom Bid tickets
  
• Arrange Prom seating charts
  
• Fill out DJ's Forms & time line (dinner, activities & Prom Court)
• Have Paid Students make Requests for Disc Jockey
  

1 Week Before Prom

• Finalize total headcount
• Confirm with Prom Venue
• Assemble all decorations that can be moved to Venue
• Get final checks for Prom night payments(Venue, DJ, Photographer, Decor etc)

2 Days Before Prom

• Purchase or pick up food & beverages (if DIY)
• Decorate for the Prom(If DIY)

 Day of Prom!

• Prepare food & beverages (If DIY)
  
• Put up all outdoor decor & Inflate balloons 
• Have Phone Numbers of all your Vendors just in case

Smart Tip #2: Every School Handles Proms differently, some are in The School Gym & Some are in a NYC Night Club but all that matters is the the committee did the best they could within their allotted budget!  Our suggestion is Prom is ultimately a Formal School Dance, so Venue doesn't matter! The DJ, Decor & Photographer will make or Break your Prom! 

Smart Tip #3: Most of ALL Don't Stress & Have FUN!

Cher!

Awesome Prom Entertainment Here!

2010 Guy's Prom Checklist

3 Months Before Prom

	Start using Prom Planning checklist.
	Ask how much money your parents are willing to contribute.
	Start saving money!! & Plan your Budget
	Find & Ask your date to go to Prom!

10 Weeks Before Prom

	Go for your tux fitting. If you know what color dress your date will wear, Coordinate colors!
	Start coordinating transportation. Will you drive, If so whose car? Will you rent a limo with your Friends? If so get Prices and form a Group of friends that are able to pay!
	Some Proms Don't have a Meal, so ask around for a good place for dinner before the Prom. Consider your Prom date's tastes in food & atmosphere (ask her, lol).

2 Months Before Prom

	Purchase Prom tickets & Get Adult to sign Permission Slip.
	Discuss your prom plans & After Prom with your parents. Hire Limo if Necessary.

2 Weeks Before Prom

	Call & confirm all reservations & Limo Rentals you have made for Prom day.
	Finalize Schedule with friends, date & parents.  Where will you all meet?
	Order your date's corsage from Florist (keep in mind dress color!)

Several Days Before Prom

	Get your haircut.
	What time will you pick your date up?  (or limo if applicable)
	Wash your car & vacuum it, if driving.
	Supply Kit: Camera, cell phone, cash for tips, student ID, Prom tickets, Limo Number etc.

Prom Day!!

	Pick up corsage at Florist (Keep refrigerated). Don't forget you Camera & Prom Tickets!
	Pick up your tux, if you haven't already. Make sure to have tie and cummerbund or vest (and that they match your date's dress), dress shoes/socks, cuff links & studs. HAVE FUN & Remember don't Drink & Drive or Get in a Vehicle with anyone under the Influence!! Good luck & have a Blast  Cher!

2010 Girl's Prom Checklist!

3 Months Before Prom

	Start using Prom Planning checklist.
	Budget: Ask how much your parents are willing to contribute.
	Start saving money.
	Shop for Prom dress.

10 Weeks Before Prom

	Pick out accessories that will coordinate with your dress and your date's Tuxedo.
	Start taking care of your hair & nails, especially if you have short & bitten nails. If you are growing your hair, trim it every 3 weeks to avoid split ends.

2 Months Before Prom

	Purchase Prom tickets & Get Adult to sign Permission Slip.
	Start trying different hair styles, even if you are DIY.
	Discuss your prom plans & After Prom with your parents. Hire Limo if Necessary

3 Weeks Before Prom

	Pick up your Prom dress.
	Break in Prom shoes by wearing them several times a day.
	Make your hair, makeup & nails appointments. Avoid the last minute rush by locating other salons not near your town.  Order boutonniere from Florist.

2 Weeks Before Prom

	Call & confirm all appointments & Limo Rentals you have made for Prom day.
	Setup an Emergency Kit: camera, clear nail polish, extra pantyhose, cellphone, cash for tips, student ID, tickets, limo number.
	Introduce your parents to your Prom date.

Day of your Prom!! 

	Pick up boutonniere from Florist.  Don't forget you Camera & Prom Tickets!
	Go to your hair, nails & makeup appointments. HAVE FUN & Remember don't Drink & Drive or Get in a Vehicle with anyone under the Influence!! Good luck & have a Blast  Cher!

PROM COMMITTEE: 10 Tips 4 Hiring Prom Pros

To pull off a successful prom that will be talked about for years to come, you'll need to have a Professional team.  That means bringing together key prom pros >  photographer, DJ, & caterer - to create the perfect Prom night. Handling all these folks can get kind of crazy, so read up on our smart tips for working with Prom vendors (We have lots of articles on this Blog so Bookmark us!)

1. Don't Procrastinate
Spring isn't just prom season - it's also a big time of year for weddings, graduation parties, Project Graduations & other special events. There are only 4 weekends in a month, and only so many QUALITY vendors to go around. To get your top choices, you'll need to start early. If your prom is held on a weekday night, you'll probably have an easier time, but you shouldn't let that hold you up, because the trend has been changing the last 3 years to weeknight proms!

2. Delegate the Prom Planning
Instead of dragging your entire prom committee to every florist, photographer, or DJ in town, create prom - subcommittees to do each task. Once you've decided on a Prom budget, the subcommittees should decide what vendors to pursue. All sub-committees should create checklists & questions to bring to each appointment to make sure they're getting the same info from everybody. Once all the information is collected, the subcommittees should pick their top 3 choices and call for a full committee vote.

3. Network with friends
Do you have friends at different schools who attended an awesome prom? Could they not stop talking about how amazing their photos turned out, or how awesome their Club DJ was? Use friends as contacts to get in touch with the students or faculty who planned their school proms. They'll be more than happy to provide you with vendor recos. But beware of friend of a friend (or teacher) referrals they are not unbiased! 

4. Go with a Pro
Professional associations are a great way to track down names and numbers for vendors in your area. As an added bonus, you know that the folks you're contacting have some sort of professional affiliation or accreditation. (NOTE: Associations just mean they take their business more seriously - most associations DO NOT hold members to standards - SO ask your questions!) Some national organizations that may be useful are Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, The National Association of Mobile Entertainers NAME (representing DJs across the country), American Disc Jockey Association, ADJA, and the American Institute of Floral Designers.

5. Shop Around
Whether you are hitting the phones or you're just getting started, cast a wide net. It can't hurt to give every vendor you'd like to consider a quick phone call. One who might be too pricey on paper might actually be a better Value. Remember you do get what you pay for! If you're searching locally, don't discount the fact that some of the folks you visit might be alumni of your school -- and just might be willing to cut a deal for their school.

6. Do Your Research!
When you've narrowed your lists to your top choices for each service, obtain and check references if necessary! Though it may seem like a tedious chore, most prom pros agree that this is the most crucial step. If the vendor can give you the names of other schools who have used the company, that's ideal. Otherwise, ask about other events that hit a similar demographic -- sweet 16 parties, graduation parties, and so on. Then get on the phone to find out who really delivered the goods! (NOTE: This method is usually skewed because vendors will NOT give you anything but good clients to call so research by Google, BBB, Twitter & Facebook as well to see if any complaints arise!)

7. Ask for Help
You will have some questions about hiring vendors, so don't be shy about asking a parent, teacher, Blog, Twitter or school administrator for help. Don't discount the usefulness of their experience & advice. Remember your choices affect 100's maybe 1000's of your peers attending the Prom so make sure you make choices that they will be happy to pay their hard earned money for!  (NOTE: Do NOT let a controlling Prom Adviser make all the decisions for you or force you to use their Boyfriend or husband for the DJ etc!)

8. Read the Details
Before hiring any vendor or signing a contract, be sure you've gotten all of the details that could affect your budget's bottom line. Cancellation policies, costs for additional time or services, & any extra fees need to be figured out in advance. If you are uncertain about any of the policies, just ask!

9. Always Get it in Writing!
If you're paying someone for a prom-related service, you'll need an Adult to sign a contract. Before you put your name on anything, have more than one committee member (and possibly a teacher or another adult) read it over thoroughly. Make sure the contract spells out all of the basics, and includes all of the pertinent info like: who, what, when, where, & how. Anything you have agreed on verbally needs to be there as well. Don't consider anything too obvious to be included. Double-check that the date, time, and location of your prom are correct. If anything looks weird or incorrect, don't sign the contract until it has been fixed!

10. Go with Your Instincts.
If a vendor gives you bad vibes, pay attention. An Older wedding DJ who doesn't seem to have any rapport with  your committee will fail to motivate prom goers on the dance floor, and a weird photographer who makes you feel uncomfortable is probably going to make other teens feel the same way. After all, you're all going to need to work together to make sure your prom is a success!

(NOTE: Meeting Vendors in 2010 is not always necessary, especially if that is not the actual person that will be at your Prom!  Most Vendors use Fax, Email, Websites, Video Conferencing, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, & Myspace to communicate. Why? This lowers your overall expense.  If the vendor needs to come out and sit with you that costs them gas, travel, tolls, time and all that is usually figured into your bill!  Also on another note if the vendor owns or rents a location like an office this will automatically raises your price because that vendor has a higher overhead than one that does not have the office.  So in 2010 that warm fuzzy feeling will cost you more and not guarantee you more.)

Cher!

For Prom Professionals that handle Decor, Photography, & Disc Jockeys Click this Link

Article Adapted from: KatWood

New Kind of Prom 2010 Style!

With the economy in shambles EVERYONE is looking to save money & get a better value for their spent  cash!  That does not mean cheap out -- it merely makes individuals think outside the box!  Great things can change when you start to think outside the box and move forward!  Proms & School Dances are stuck with an "old school" (no pun intended) mentality but most are charging in excess of what a 5 star restaurant would! Which is good if they actually put the quality and money back into the event!  Very few do.

Our suggestion is hire a company that specializes in Privatizing your Prom & Other School Dances! 

High school proms have become more like another class rather than like a party. Every year, government school administrators think up new rules to restrict the behavior of students who attend school proms. Strike back against the government's party rules, by organizing and attending a PRIVATE prom that will keep your teachers, your principal, and their ridiculous rules out of your social life. 

A private prom would be organized by a Company that only throws teen events, without your school's assistance. Therefore, your school administrators would not be able to enforce the school's disciplinary code. The prom would simply be a more elegant & elaborate weekend party.

At current school proms, teachers are more concerned about security than about the music. Proms regularly have three levels of security which include off-duty police officers, hotel security, and teachers. All of them regularly inspect the bathrooms, check the parking lot for people that are hanging out, and implicitly discourage all wild behavior & close dancing. Step out of line and you'll be asked to leave the prom and possibly suspended.

"Of course, the use of alcohol is always prohibited at any school event. Individuals involved in these behaviors may be prohibited from taking part in the ceremonies on graduation day, as well as facing suspension," said a letter sent to parents of seniors at Birmingham High School. Montclair High school recently had an entire Limo arrested and processed for arriving drunk at 2009 Prom. These events would also be alcohol free because lets face it everyone is under age, but parents would be notified for violations!

Here are some rules enforced at CURRENT Public & Private School proms:

1. At any school dance, each student may invite one outside guest as long as he or she is responsible for his conduct and almost all schools make you sign a "guest" pass which is like an elementary school permission slip.
2. The mode of dress set up by the group sponsoring the dance shall be strictly enforced.
3. Students exhibiting conduct unbecoming a student of High School will be asked to leave.
4. Students will not be permitted to leave the building during the course of the dance. Students may leave at 10:00 p.m. but will not be allowed to return.
5. Only students in junior and senior homerooms are eligible to attend the prom. Outside guests must be registered with the Prom Committee (and a guest pass, lol).

These rules are more appropriate for a prison than for a party. Do you know of any other party that forbids people from leaving? Why must people register their outside guests?

You won't have to worry about suspensions at a private prom. Private facilities want your business and they want to make sure that they also host the next year's private prom. It will actually be difficult to get kicked out of a private prom, because the owners would not risk future business by ejecting a wild, though peaceful, student. And even if you do find a way to get kicked out of a private prom, you won't have to face additional punishment at school on Monday.

Other things that get put ahead of students good time: Decor, Balloons, Invitations, Food - all on the List before Disc Jockey!  Now to us a Prom is a elegant school dance!  So the first and most important decision should be your DJ entertainment for the evening!  With a Private Company like AClubProm.com running your prom we understand this and the entire theme, and event revolve around great Club DJ's!

Private proms would be an all-day and night event. Many students who attend current proms are forbidden from renting hotel rooms at the hotel that is hosting the prom. But if you attend a private prom, you and your friends could rent a hotel room where you could hang out before, or after the prom.

Private proms would also take one less punishment out the your principal's arsenal. Routinely,  schools control the behavior of students by threatening to bar them from the prom. We wrote about a student in Kansas who ran naked through his school auditorium and now will not be able to attend the prom. His fellow students protested the punishment by staging a parade. However, the ultimate protest would be to organize a private prom.

Gradually, you & your fellow students should privatize all extracurricular activities. Then your  administrators would never be able to ruin another school dance, kick you off the baseball team or bar you from the prom because private companies who don't take orders from the schools would run these activities.This will also prevent 2 other issues embezzlement by prom advisers (see other articles) and saving to help fund school slush funds for cappuccino machines & couches in the teachers lounge.  Get your moneys worth today, YOU DO PAY FOR IT!!

Start fighting back now by making your school's prom the first privatized activity. If you do not have experience organizing parties, then call AClubProm.com. Stay away from Wedding DJ's, party planners, rave promoters, and hotel staff - why you ask?  They have no idea how to plan a prom!  They would take the job on and possibly get you the same or worse results!  AClubProm.com could organize the entire prom with or with out your students!

And don't let your teachers or administrators stop you. You have the freedom to embrace the free-market by organizing your own prom. There is NO laws stopping you from calling AClubProm.com right now and making this the year that makes a difference!

  Some Schools have already done this! Check it out:

A School you may have heard of in Georgia is having segregated Proms (STILL!) how you ask, Parents pay for the one Prom and organize it outside of school, and Just invite the students they want to attend!

Also what about the tons of Homeschool Proms across the country, No school to run them - all Privatized!

Prairie High School Jr. Sarah says: she does not plan to comply with any of the new rules."I as well as many other students will just not go to any of the school dances, we'll have our own dances," she told ABCNews.

Lastly AClubProm.com these guys got sick of dealing with administration ruining school dances & Proms and started to pay out of their pockets to host clean fun events for students!  They can also still come and Run your current Prom within the school but at a much higher success rate!

Now the Ball is in your court will you do it the way its been done forever just because? or will you drag your Prom out of the 1960's and make a difference?

Make the Call now! http://www.AwesomeClubProm.com >>> 877.PROM.123

Cher!

Prom the Best Or Worst Experience....

Prom Can be either the Best or Worst experience of your 4 years of high school, depending on how your prom committee chooses to Plan the Prom.

According to searches on Twitter & Facebook during the 2009 prom season 99% of the Prom based searches revealed that prom was going to suck or did suck. (Most teens used much different words)

A few reasons why the Prom experience was ruined for some Prom goers - 2% didn't have adequate money, 5% couldn't find a dress, 5% was so far unsuccessful in finding a date, 5% date fell through, 5% the location was no nice, 5% hair/makeup was not what they wanted, 5% had a zit in a bad place, 5% were upset it was raining, 3% had no plans for after prom. This Accounts for 40% of the Students complaints and problems.

What accounted for the other 60% ??? The Entertainment or DJ ruined the event!!!

Two things happened - either knowing the DJ was the same one that did an event or school dance for  them before, and successfully ruined them.

Or showing up for prom and the DJ sucked, played bad selections, equipment died, did not show up, showed up late, was fat, old, bald or overweight and could not relate to the teens, could not mix the music, could not program the music, or just plain sucked as some of them put it ( again I toned the language down here)

Notice in in a "recession" only 2% ever complained of not having enough money, most parents saved above and beyond to provide this once in a life time experience for their teens!

Now among items that were NOT even mentioned at all in any Prom Post, Blog, Article, Facebook, or Tweet?   Everything Else! Tux, Decorations, Flowers, Limos, Food, Photographers.

Also in 2009 Most Schools dropped the Professional Style Portrait Photographer for a Semi-Pro Candid  or Photo Journalistic  Photographer, why? Reasons varied - but most parents have a Prosumer Canon or Nikon Camera and take hundreds of photos before prom with their teen and all their friends either at the house, park of by the limo.  So they don't need a photo in front of a fake backdrop for an inflated price.  But what the Semi-Pro will capture is the overall experience of the prom - dancing, dance floor shots, buddy shots, table photos and more!

Other honorable mentions in Tweets were Cool Plasmas, Cute Date, Photos on Screens, Fun Dancing all Night, Awesome Light show, Fun After Party (less then 1%)

What can be done about this obvious but huge problem? Smarter Planning! Most Prom committees consist of 99% teen girls & and a woman prom adviser.  The Priories of Planning are just viewed differently, and Entertainment & DJs are last to be booked and are left the least amount of budget.

Why? Girls Like Pretty things and will opt for decor and flowers to be prefect before the actual success of the prom is determined. I know this because I am a Chick and like pretty things as well, but in this case that emotion has to be curbed and DJ should be your 3rd biggest budget item! (Hall & Food is always 1st, Photographer usually comes in 2nd and then DJ should be 3rd) NO EXCEPTIONS!

I hope this helps 1000's of Proms be better for the 2010 Prom Season, because I was literally sick reading and replying to those Tweets. Plus some Prom Goers are paying in excess of $200 per person to be wowed & dance, so you should want to give them the time of their lives!

--- Cher

For Quality Prom Only DJs who are Young, Cool & have all the Radio Edited music for your next School Event check out http://www.AClubProm.com (They Bring NJ & NY Style & Quality to the Rest of the US!)

For Semi-Pro Photogrpahers at a Fraction of a Pro Studio Click Here!

Smart Prom Budgets!

Budgeting for the prom -- it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. You'll want to keep track of every last penny to assure that your costs are being covered and that you're maximizing your funds. Though the average cost for different services varies greatly from state to state, our tips and sample budget allocations will help you get started.

Site: 24%
This cost can range from free (if you're holding the prom in your gym) to well over $2000 (if your venue is a swank hotel ballroom). Other variables that can affect your cost are the timing of your prom (Wednesday - Friday nights are the most in demand, which may up the price), the popularity of the site, and what's included (any added amenities, such as the use of additional rooms).

Food: 22%
The cost of your food depends on the number of prom goers and the nature of your menu. If you are having a sit-down dinner, this expense should be covered by ticket sales, since how many meals you'll need directly correlates to how many tickets are sold. At an absolute minimum, expect to pay $20 to $25 per person for a basic meal (such as chicken). If you are having a buffet dinner or only hors d'oeuvres, your cost per person may be somewhat lower. To stay within your budget, be sure you don't go overboard with menu choices -- anything that's out of season (like fresh fruit) or from out of your area (like some seafood) is going to cost extra. When you're figuring out your food bill, don't forget to budget in any additional costs for waitstaff and rentals (table linens, flatware, and so on) -- plus tips!

DJ: 16%
Music is crucial to prom, so you're probably going to want to hire a professional to handle it. The bare minimum is likely going to be about $900. Your cost will vary depending on the popularity and demand for a certain DJ, how long you'll need him or her, sophistication of the equipment, and any extras they brings (lights, glow sticks, Plasmas, a fog machine etc). Don't forget to budget a 20% tip! Most Prom Disc Jockeys cost between $1200 - $1500 across the US. Try Awesome Club Prom to help Host your Event!

Decorations: 12%
Whether you're going DIY or purchasing ready-made pieces, you'll need a budget for your decor. Before you buy, figure out what you can borrow. For example, if you want thousands of twinkling lights, look no further than the attics and basements of friends and family -- there's bound to be a lot of holiday lights there. If you plan on having floral centerpieces, put aside money for these as well. The type, size, and complexity of floral arrangements times the number of tables or spaces will enable the florist to estimate the cost. If you're using flowers, be sure to choose blooms that are in season -- otherwise, you'll exceed your budget in no time.

Tickets & Programs: 9%
Selling prom tickets will make money, but if you have tickets professionally printed they're going to cost money. Don't forget to budget in the cost of printing your tickets, programs, invites, and anything else you hand over to a pro. How to save? Print materials yourselves on high-quality paper purchased from an office-supply store. If you decide to go with a professional printer, choose matte stock and a single color of ink to save some dough.

Favors: 8%
The cost for favors depends on what you choose. Personalization (with your school name, your prom theme, the date of your prom) will cost extra, but the more favors you need, the less expensive each individual favor will be. Just be sure to order enough so every prom-goer can take something home!

Photographer: 6%
Though prom goers will have to pay for their own prints, they won't be footing the entire photographer bill. Your budget is going to have to cough up some cash to pay for the photographer's time, any assistants they will need, the number and types of equipment brought along, and any other extras (say the photographer creates a backdrop especially for your prom, for example). This is likely to cost around $400 to $500, but fees can vary considerably depending on the photographer.  Also New options have emerged, where your Disc Jockey may have Amateur or Professional Photographers on staff - just make sure they are selling you the correct services!

Security: 3%
If your site does not have its own security personnel, you may want to hire a couple of guards (better safe than sorry!). Cost will vary based on how many security people you'll need and for how long. Talk to a faculty or administration member to find out what your school policy is before making your move.

Income: Should Cover 100%
Enough about spending, it's time to make some money! In addition to whatever funds your school's  activity budget may have allocated for the prom, you'll also be working with income from fundraisers, donations, and ticket sales. Keep close track of all the cash that comes in. A good idea is to allocate income in advance so that you know exactly what it will cover -- for instance, selling X number of tickets will pay for the catering, this fundraiser will take care of security, 40 percent of your activity fund budget will go toward the site rental, and so on. This can also help with planning fundraisers -- you'll know exactly what your sales goals are and how that money will be spent.

Guest Author:  KatWood

Win $25,000 or a $5,000 Awesome Prom DJ!!

Win the Ultimate Prom Contest has officially begun!

Win the Ultimate Prom (WUP) is an online contest that awards one high school $25,000 to produce the Ultimate Prom. WintheUltimateProm.com is also an interactive, content-rich website full of blogs, articles and tips on living prom all year long.

 

During a two month period from, October 1 through November 30, high schools nationwide will compete to win the $25,000 grand prize. Students recruit family, friends and community members to vote for their school by registering and voting once a day, every day at WintheUltimateProm.com. The school with the most cumulative votes at the end of the contest wins the $25,000.

 

This year, more schools will win!  In addition to the $25K grand prize, WUP has partnered with GradCity, Awesome Club Prom and Buzz Free Prom to award even more prizes.  The second place school will receive an Awesome Club Prom Package valued at $5,000.  BuzzFree Prom, a nonprofit organization promoting safe and sober proms, will give the top 100 schools a BuzzFree Prom Kit valued at $200 each.  GradCity, the Nation's Ultimate Travel Experience for Students, will host mini contests rewarding participating schools and individuals with additional prizes.

 

                                          To Participate:

 

                                    REGISTER: At WintheUltimateProm.com

VOTE: Once a Day, Every Day from October 1 to November 30^th

PROMOTE: Tell everyone you know to register & vote

  The school with the most cumulative votes at the end of the contest wins!

Official WUP Disc Jockey & Sponsor for 2010 Proms: AwesomeClubProm.com

 

Prom Themes!

Deciding on a great Prom theme idea is your first, and one of the most challenging decisions when planning your Prom dance. The student government should meet and discuss possible themes for Prom.  It is important to try to involve as many students as possible try a poll during homeroom of the top 3 choices. In case of a tie, let the seniors decide. 

Most High School Proms are organized by Student Council Advisors or Prom Committee.

Prom Dance Themes:

Here are a few Prom theme ideas to get your class, committee  & Advisor started.

 

A Gathering of Ghouls, A Hero's Homecoming,  A Night In Paris

A Night of Star,  A Place in the Sun,  A Tinseltown Moment Action Heroes,  Affaire d’ Amour, Alice in Wonderland Around the World, Around the World in One Night, At the Hop, Autumn in New York, Back to the Future, Black Tie  Black Widow's Lair, Board Games, Boogie Nights Bourbon Street Masquerade, Box Office Bliss Can't Fight the Moonlight Carnival (Circus), Candyland, Casino, Cartoon Mania, Chillin' in the Arctic City of Lights, City Rhythm, Commercially Speaking, Colors of the Wind Club Scene Theme, Dance thru Time, Decades, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams Disney (Dreams Come True), Down by the Sea, Drops of Jupiter, Egyptian Allure, Escape to Paradise, Escape to Rio, Feelin' Groovy, From LA to the Bay, Frosted Twilight, Fairy Tales, Great Moments in Sports, Harvest Moon History of Music, Holiday Wish, Hollywood Homecoming, Hollywood Magic Hollywood Nights, Homecoming - Then and Now, Historical Events In Vogue, Island Fantasy,Italian Serenade, Jungle Allure, La Noche Dorada Las Vegas, Legends of Camelot, Mad about Mambo, Magic in the Snow Manhattan Mystique, Mardi Gras Mambo, Medieval Magic, Multi-Cultural Native Paradise, New York, New York, Night in New Orleans, Night Lights Night of Stars, Night of the Golden Dragon, Night on the Town, Noche Dorada North Pole Delight, On Broadway, Over the Rainbow, Paris Nights, Parade of Good Books Polynesian Sunset, Poetry, Rest in Peace, Rhythm Divine, Rio Grande Requiem, River of Dreams Road Trip, Rock Around the Clock, Rock 'n Roll Fantasy, School Days, Saturday Night Fever Seaswept, Secret Garden, Shades of the Orient, Shanghai Moon, Simply Irresistible Snowflake Wonderland, Soda Shop Hop, Songs, Old & New, Space Voyage, Spirit of America Springtime in Paris, Star Gazing, Story-Book Land, Stars on Broadway, Summer Wind Sunset Oasis, Sunset Silhouettes, Superheroes, Tahitian Fantasy Cruise, The Circus The Great Frontiers, The Oscars, The Zoo, Theme Songs, Tinseltown Moment, TV Land Under the Sea, Under the Stars, Underwater Escape, Western, Whispers of the Orient Whispers of Winter, Wild Wild West, With All My Heart, World of Fantasy, Written in the Stars
These Themes also apply to Prom, Winter Formals, or other Semi- Formal Dances!

 An Awesome Dance for your Students

Selecting a theme and going over ideas will help guarantee a fun and memorable dance. This is a key component in producing an unforgettable homecoming dance. First, think about the type of atmosphere you want to have, whether you want it to be romantic, fun, or mysterious. Most schools develop themes that generally set the guidelines for the homecoming colors & Decor. Some schools have become more creative by revolving the entire dance party around the theme and ideas. This goes all the way down to the students attire & decorations. Whatever theme your committee chooses, make sure it fits the personality of your student body.

Entertainment Ideas

Plus remember that Decor and themes are great but don't fall short on hiring great entertainment such as a Disc Jockey, Band or DJ!  The basic ingredients for successful school Prom dance are music, hype, & energy.

The company you hire for the  DJ can make or break your ticket sales for the next dance depending on how the music was balanced. How well your committee hypes the party will determine the outcome as well. Do not forget that the energy level at your school Prom dance will be based on the quality of the Disc Jockey, a cheap DJ will not play loud enough and may have offensive lyrics.  A Great Disc Jockey will have radio edits and know what to play when!  Liability Insurance for all vendors is a must! Please read our other article about this here

For Great Club DJs in your Area Check this link out!

Cher!